October 4, 2015

"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." Henri Frederic Amiel

Over the past three years, many parishioners and nonparishioners have been working hard on our “Pew Project.” The results of countless hours of sacrifice and time by so many are visible in the pews and all of the other woodworking in our new spiritual home. To express the gratitude of the entire parish and from me personally, I would like to invite everyone who has had ANY part whatsoever, big or small, in the “Pew Project” to an Appreciation BBQ cookout with BBQ ribs and pork butt and the fixins on Sunday, October 18th at 5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Gym and Social Hall. Many of you have been involved in one part or another, how beautiful for ALL of us to get together at one time to celebrate our incredible accomplishment and offering that we have made to God. I sincerely hope that anyone who has assisted in this great project can make it. I would like to recognize our local Knights of Columbus council for underwriting the cost of the food, Iron Horse BBQ for donating their time and equipment to prepare the awesome BBQ (I’ve had their BBQ before – it is incredible!!), and J.B. Fat Boys for providing all of the BBQ rubs and all the other spices.

Additionally, this past week I received an incredible surprise. An anonymous donor from outside our parish was so impressed by the work we do in our school and our commitment to Catholic education and our sacrificial giving from the parish that supports our mission that he and his wife donated $100,000 to the parish. I would like to include a portion of the letter he included with his donation:

“While we are not members of St. Patrick’s parish or have any personal involvement with your parish, we believe strongly in Catholic schools and want to help ensure the ongoing operation and success of St. Patrick School. To that end, we are presenting the enclosed contribution for St. Patrick School. This contribution comes from a sense of stewardship and will, hopefully, help develop future generations of stewards at the school. We recognize the financial pressure placed upon Catholic schools and want to acknowledge past efforts, and encourage future efforts, to keep Catholic education affordable in the city of Lincoln. To that end, enclosed is a check for $100,000 for St. Patrick School. Signed: Stewards of God’s Gifts”

God provides through the generosity of so many. Thank-you for all that YOU do, for without the commitment of the parish that this couple very visibly saw, we would not have received this gift. Have a great week!

Fr. Schweiger